Area of Practice: Art Law
John is a litigator and transactional lawyer focusing on legal matters in the art world. His clients include artists, artist’s estates, art advisors, art borrowers, art lenders, auctioneers, art collectors (leading and new), charities/nonprofits, galleries, insurers, investors, museums, and virtual platforms. With more than 30 years of experience, John has helped clients avoid litigation, successfully litigated important cases when necessary, and advised clients on art transactions (commissions, consignments, gifts, insurance, investments, purchases, sales, loans, licenses, etc.), including some of the largest and most complex deals in the art market.
While John has spent his career primarily in the private practice of law (including a pro bono practice), he has also been the General Counsel of Phillips and occupied a C-suite role at Sotheby’s in which he oversaw financial deal-making globally and oversaw its art-lending affiliate. He has also served as pro bono counsel to the Appraisers Association of America.
John is a past Chair of the field’s leading art law committee (advocating for legislation to protect artists and art experts). He has taught and lectured frequently at many venues (including universities and the academic programs of Christie’s and Sotheby’s), and published articles, book chapters, and educational materials on art law topics.
Named as one of the “Art World’s Most Powerful Lawyers” by Artnet News, John is often sought out by art journalists for background analysis and commentary, and he has been quoted in prominent media and publications in the United States and internationally.
Chambers High Net Worth has recognized John as a top-tier art lawyer and quoted sources praising his “experience and expertise” and describing him as “a true intellect . . . incredibly knowledgeable on all things art-related.”
